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Gloucestershire police have urged people not to give money to beggars.

The best way to help the homeless in the long term is to give to charities which help them.

What charities can I give to?

Shelter offers advice, support and legal services.

If you have nowehere to sleep or may be homeless soon, have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home, at potential or actual risk of harm or feel very overwhelmed about your housing situation, you can call Shelter's emergency number 0808 1644 660.

A homeless man sits on Northgate Street

If you need information but are not at serious risk you can call Shelter's advice line 0808 800 4444.

Centrepoint helps young homeless people aged 16 to 25. Their free helpline is 0808 800 0661.

Gloucester City Mission supports the homeless - among its work is to provide hot food, drinks and friendship.

It has also applied for permission to offer overnight stays at its base in the George Whitfield Centre in Great Western Road from December 1. They can be contacted on 01452 901922.